🔗 Register Now!
📅 Part 1: Fri. Oct 31, 2025 🕙 Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM 📍 Masjid Vaughan — 9954 Keele St, Maple ON |
MODULE FOUR:
THE STRUGGLE FOR OUR SONS: Understanding their Challenges & Empowering Our Response Attention Parents, Youth Leaders, Imams & Professionals! Our boys face dangers we never imagined — gangs, vaping, secret relationships, online traps, and crises of faith. It’s time for a united, faith-driven response. You Will Gain: ✅ Learn how to address secret relationships & online temptations ✅ Reconnect with your son through faith & communication ✅ Handle moral & mental health crises with confidence ✅ Build a united community to protect our boys Highlights; ✅ Expert Panel: Imams, prison chaplains, therapists & lived experience voices ✅ Hands-on Action Plan Workshop ✅ Certificate by NORMM & Islamic Relief Canada (for continued NORMM Registrants) |
THE PANELISTS
Saad Gaya (Panelist Facilitator) is a litigation lawyer in Toronto specializing in regulatory law and civil liberties. He is passionate about access to justice and regularly speaks to community organizations on pressing legal and social issues. His work has included advocacy on behalf of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association on matters involving police record checks and judicial oversight of law enforcement practices.
Jawad Bhatti is a Registered Social Worker and psychotherapist, and the Owner and Chief Therapist at Positive Outcome Counselling and Therapy. With nearly two decades of experience, he provides compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals, couples, and families, helping clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and life transitions. He holds social work degrees from the University of Toronto and York University, and a Diploma in Islamic Psychology from Cambridge Muslim College. His therapeutic approach integrates cognitive, behavioural, and spiritual perspectives, offering clients a calm, collaborative, and culturally sensitive space for growth and healing.
Rumia Owaisi is a Registered Social Worker and is currently a PhD student at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto. Her main research and clinical interests are in Muslim Mental Health. To provide spiritually informed and faith-based care, she has completed a diploma in Islamic Psychology through Cambridge Muslim College and is currently under clinical supervision for full certification in Traditional Islamically-Integrated Psychotherapy (TIIP) with Khalil Center.
Saad Khalid is a dedicated mental health professional specializing in serving the Muslim community. He holds a diploma in General Arts & Science from Sheridan College, a BSW from York University, and an MSW from Toronto Metropolitan University. As a Registered Social Worker, Saad has extensive experience in mental health advocacy, crisis intervention, and community education. Saad is responsible for creating Naseeha Mental Health’s psychotherapy clinic, and developing accessible therapy programs tailored to the needs of the Muslim community. Currently, Saad is the Coordinator for NORMM, where he helps oversee and coordinate its operations. He remains committed to raising awareness and reducing stigma around mental health through workshops in mosques, schools, and prisons. His research focuses on the impact of anti-Muslim hate on Muslim inmates, advocating for improved support systems within correctional facilities.
Omar Ortiz is a formerly incarcerated individual who has transformed his life through faith, education, and mentorship. While in prison, he embraced Islam and committed himself to self-improvement and service to others. Even before his conversion, he was dedicated to personal growth and uplifting those around him. During his incarceration, he earned both his high school diploma and a post-secondary diploma in Religious Studies. As a former inmate leader and mentor, Omar now works to support at-risk youth and individuals transitioning back into society, helping them navigate challenges and build a brighter future.
Jawad Bhatti is a Registered Social Worker and psychotherapist, and the Owner and Chief Therapist at Positive Outcome Counselling and Therapy. With nearly two decades of experience, he provides compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals, couples, and families, helping clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and life transitions. He holds social work degrees from the University of Toronto and York University, and a Diploma in Islamic Psychology from Cambridge Muslim College. His therapeutic approach integrates cognitive, behavioural, and spiritual perspectives, offering clients a calm, collaborative, and culturally sensitive space for growth and healing.
Rumia Owaisi is a Registered Social Worker and is currently a PhD student at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto. Her main research and clinical interests are in Muslim Mental Health. To provide spiritually informed and faith-based care, she has completed a diploma in Islamic Psychology through Cambridge Muslim College and is currently under clinical supervision for full certification in Traditional Islamically-Integrated Psychotherapy (TIIP) with Khalil Center.
Saad Khalid is a dedicated mental health professional specializing in serving the Muslim community. He holds a diploma in General Arts & Science from Sheridan College, a BSW from York University, and an MSW from Toronto Metropolitan University. As a Registered Social Worker, Saad has extensive experience in mental health advocacy, crisis intervention, and community education. Saad is responsible for creating Naseeha Mental Health’s psychotherapy clinic, and developing accessible therapy programs tailored to the needs of the Muslim community. Currently, Saad is the Coordinator for NORMM, where he helps oversee and coordinate its operations. He remains committed to raising awareness and reducing stigma around mental health through workshops in mosques, schools, and prisons. His research focuses on the impact of anti-Muslim hate on Muslim inmates, advocating for improved support systems within correctional facilities.
Omar Ortiz is a formerly incarcerated individual who has transformed his life through faith, education, and mentorship. While in prison, he embraced Islam and committed himself to self-improvement and service to others. Even before his conversion, he was dedicated to personal growth and uplifting those around him. During his incarceration, he earned both his high school diploma and a post-secondary diploma in Religious Studies. As a former inmate leader and mentor, Omar now works to support at-risk youth and individuals transitioning back into society, helping them navigate challenges and build a brighter future.
PAST SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS
|
MODULE THREE:
ACCREDITED CERTIFICATION WEBINAR: UNDERSTANDING PHIPA Facilitator: Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025 Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Key Topics ✅ What confidentiality means in community and religious settings ✅ How to respond to requests from law enforcement, parole officers, or correctional staff ✅ The ethical consequences of breaking trust—whether intentional or not ✅ Balancing support, safety, and accountability in your role ✅ When disclosure is necessary and how to do it responsibly |
ABOUT THE WEBINAR: Guided by Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), this session will unpack the broader principles of confidentiality—what they mean, why they matter, and how they extend beyond clinical and institutional contexts.
For Imams, chaplains, community leaders, and support workers, confidentiality is a cornerstone of effective and ethical support—especially when working with individuals who are or have been incarcerated. Many justice-involved Muslims turn to faith-based and community spaces for help; yet, without clear guidelines, even the most well-intentioned helpers can unintentionally cause harm.
This webinar will explore how we, as a community, can responsibly handle sensitive information, uphold trust, and protect the dignity of those we serve.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Ibrahim Mohammad is a third-year psychiatry resident at the University of Toronto. His experiences in community organizing, particularly the Justice for Soli movement, led him to develop an interest in Muslim mental health. He has twice helped organize the annual Canadian Muslim Mental Health Conference held jointly by UofT and the Muslim Medical Association of Canada. He has also hosted numerous psychoeducational workshops at local mosques. He is additionally a Research Mentee at the Stanford Muslim Mental Health and Islamic Psychology Lab, where he is currently leading a study investigating the experiences of formerly incarcerated Muslims.
For Imams, chaplains, community leaders, and support workers, confidentiality is a cornerstone of effective and ethical support—especially when working with individuals who are or have been incarcerated. Many justice-involved Muslims turn to faith-based and community spaces for help; yet, without clear guidelines, even the most well-intentioned helpers can unintentionally cause harm.
This webinar will explore how we, as a community, can responsibly handle sensitive information, uphold trust, and protect the dignity of those we serve.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Ibrahim Mohammad is a third-year psychiatry resident at the University of Toronto. His experiences in community organizing, particularly the Justice for Soli movement, led him to develop an interest in Muslim mental health. He has twice helped organize the annual Canadian Muslim Mental Health Conference held jointly by UofT and the Muslim Medical Association of Canada. He has also hosted numerous psychoeducational workshops at local mosques. He is additionally a Research Mentee at the Stanford Muslim Mental Health and Islamic Psychology Lab, where he is currently leading a study investigating the experiences of formerly incarcerated Muslims.
|
MODULE TWO:
"Understanding Correctional Institutions, Systems, and Client Confidentiality" Date: Sunday, June 1, 2025 Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM *Complimentary Lunch Provided Location: Masjid Vaughan 9954 Keele St. Maple, ON |
THE PANELISTS
Amal Chaudry holds a B.A. Honours in Criminology and Political Science and a Juris Doctor(J.D) from the University of Windsor. She began her legal career with the Ministry of the Attorney General’s Criminal Law Division, prosecuting criminal and quasi-criminal offences. In 2013, she transitioned to the Civil Law Division as Crown Counsel at the Legal Services Branch of the Ministry of the Solicitor General. In this role, she provides legal advice to adult Correctional institutions, Probation & Parole, and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and regularly represents the Ministry before courts, tribunals, and inquests. She is also a designated prosecutor for the OPP. From 2021 to 2024, Amal returned to the Criminal Law Division as Crown Counsel in the Assistant Deputy Attorney General’s Office, where she led Crown Education and the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) portfolio. Her extensive experience in both criminal and administrative law makes her a vital contributor to this workshop’s dialogue on correctional systems and legal ethics.
Dr. Remi Warner is a seasoned leader in human rights, anti-racism, and equity, with over two decades of experience in Ontario’s public sector. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Human Rights Legal Support Centre, a key institution in Ontario’s human rights system that provides free legal services to individuals facing discrimination. Yusuf has held senior roles across the education, justice, health, and youth service sectors, including Director of Human Rights Services at Toronto Metropolitan University, and Manager of Research at the Ontario Anti-Racism Directorate. He has played a central role in developing landmark policies and legislation such as Ontario’s Anti-Racism Act (2017), Data Standards for Monitoring Systemic Racism, and the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Policy on Racial Profiling in Law Enforcement. Holding a PhD in Social Anthropology from York University and an MA in Culture, Race, and Difference from Sussex University, Yusuf is also a Senior Fellow at Massey College, University of Toronto. His interdisciplinary expertise and policy leadership make him an invaluable contributor to the panel on navigating correctional institutions and safeguarding human rights.
Osama Berrada is an Ottawa-based Islamic counselor, teacher, and Senior Project Manager with the federal government of Canada. With a Master’s in Public Health and a background in Health Sciences, he combines public sector expertise with deep community engagement. Trained in classical Islamic scholarship in Morocco and Egypt and influenced by his father, Shaykh Yusuf Berrada, he serves as a Khateeb at Masjid Vaughan and a board member of Risalah Foundation. Imam Osama brings a unique blend of spiritual insight and institutional understanding to his work. As panel moderator, he offers a balanced perspective on the challenges facing at-risk and justice-involved Muslim communities.
Imam Abdullah El-Asmar is a dedicated Muslim chaplain, serving Kingston Region Penitentiaries since 2014, where he provides spiritual guidance, counseling, and religious education to incarcerated individuals. He also supports Muslim students as a chaplain at Queen’s University. A Montreal native of Lebanese descent, he is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Islamic Sciences with Al-Azhar University. In addition to his chaplaincy work, he is a certified self-defense instructor and black belt martial artist, combining faith, knowledge, and discipline to serve his community.
Omar Ortiz is a formerly incarcerated individual who has transformed his life through faith, education, and mentorship. While in prison, he embraced Islam and committed himself to self-improvement and service to others. Even before his conversion, he was dedicated to personal growth and uplifting those around him. During his incarceration, he earned both his high school diploma and a post-secondary diploma in Religious Studies. As a former inmate leader and mentor, Omar now works to support at-risk youth and individuals transitioning back into society, helping them navigate challenges and build a brighter future.
Imam Khalid Patel serves as a chaplain in provincial and federal institutions across Ontario, providing spiritual care, counselling, and religious guidance to incarcerated individuals. Through chaplaincy and community outreach, he supports personal growth, rehabilitation, and faith-based reintegration, helping individuals reconnect with their faith and build a better future.
Imam Ramzy Ajem is NORMM's founder and lead therapist with CTIO Certification. He has over 20 years experience in the field of Islamic Education, curriculum development and CVE. He has served as a CSC chaplain and has been recognized by the corrections and justice community for his success in rehabilitating offenders with terrorism related charges. Imam Ramzy is supported by a team of Imams, scholars, researchers and mentors who help released individuals lead responsible, productive and accountable lives.
Dr. Remi Warner is a seasoned leader in human rights, anti-racism, and equity, with over two decades of experience in Ontario’s public sector. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Human Rights Legal Support Centre, a key institution in Ontario’s human rights system that provides free legal services to individuals facing discrimination. Yusuf has held senior roles across the education, justice, health, and youth service sectors, including Director of Human Rights Services at Toronto Metropolitan University, and Manager of Research at the Ontario Anti-Racism Directorate. He has played a central role in developing landmark policies and legislation such as Ontario’s Anti-Racism Act (2017), Data Standards for Monitoring Systemic Racism, and the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Policy on Racial Profiling in Law Enforcement. Holding a PhD in Social Anthropology from York University and an MA in Culture, Race, and Difference from Sussex University, Yusuf is also a Senior Fellow at Massey College, University of Toronto. His interdisciplinary expertise and policy leadership make him an invaluable contributor to the panel on navigating correctional institutions and safeguarding human rights.
Osama Berrada is an Ottawa-based Islamic counselor, teacher, and Senior Project Manager with the federal government of Canada. With a Master’s in Public Health and a background in Health Sciences, he combines public sector expertise with deep community engagement. Trained in classical Islamic scholarship in Morocco and Egypt and influenced by his father, Shaykh Yusuf Berrada, he serves as a Khateeb at Masjid Vaughan and a board member of Risalah Foundation. Imam Osama brings a unique blend of spiritual insight and institutional understanding to his work. As panel moderator, he offers a balanced perspective on the challenges facing at-risk and justice-involved Muslim communities.
Imam Abdullah El-Asmar is a dedicated Muslim chaplain, serving Kingston Region Penitentiaries since 2014, where he provides spiritual guidance, counseling, and religious education to incarcerated individuals. He also supports Muslim students as a chaplain at Queen’s University. A Montreal native of Lebanese descent, he is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Islamic Sciences with Al-Azhar University. In addition to his chaplaincy work, he is a certified self-defense instructor and black belt martial artist, combining faith, knowledge, and discipline to serve his community.
Omar Ortiz is a formerly incarcerated individual who has transformed his life through faith, education, and mentorship. While in prison, he embraced Islam and committed himself to self-improvement and service to others. Even before his conversion, he was dedicated to personal growth and uplifting those around him. During his incarceration, he earned both his high school diploma and a post-secondary diploma in Religious Studies. As a former inmate leader and mentor, Omar now works to support at-risk youth and individuals transitioning back into society, helping them navigate challenges and build a brighter future.
Imam Khalid Patel serves as a chaplain in provincial and federal institutions across Ontario, providing spiritual care, counselling, and religious guidance to incarcerated individuals. Through chaplaincy and community outreach, he supports personal growth, rehabilitation, and faith-based reintegration, helping individuals reconnect with their faith and build a better future.
Imam Ramzy Ajem is NORMM's founder and lead therapist with CTIO Certification. He has over 20 years experience in the field of Islamic Education, curriculum development and CVE. He has served as a CSC chaplain and has been recognized by the corrections and justice community for his success in rehabilitating offenders with terrorism related charges. Imam Ramzy is supported by a team of Imams, scholars, researchers and mentors who help released individuals lead responsible, productive and accountable lives.
|
MODULE ONE:
"Hidden Struggles: Supporting At-Risk Youth and Formerly Incarcerated Muslims" Date: Sunday, February 23, 2025 Time: 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM Location: Masjid Vaughan 9954 Keele St. Maple, ON |
THE PANELISTS
Rizwan Mohammad is a civic engagement professional with over 15 years of experience leading national initiatives to mobilize youth and community leaders to creatively participate in service learning and active citizenship. As a Senior Advocacy Officer with the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), Mohammad develops policy and engages in government relations to defend human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Imam Abdullah El-Asmar is a dedicated Muslim chaplain, serving Kingston Region Penitentiaries since 2014, where he provides spiritual guidance, counseling, and religious education to incarcerated individuals. He also supports Muslim students as a chaplain at Queen’s University. A Montreal native of Lebanese descent, he is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Islamic Sciences with Al-Azhar University. In addition to his chaplaincy work, he is a certified self-defense instructor and black belt martial artist, combining faith, knowledge, and discipline to serve his community.
Joe Brathwaite is a seasoned parole officer with over 30 years of experience supporting the reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals. He specializes in connecting parolees with employment, housing, and community resources, promoting rehabilitation and public safety. In 2022, he received the Platinum Jubilee Community Service Award for advancing equity in the corrections system, and in 2023-2024, he was honored with the Emerson Douyon Multiculturalism Award for his dedication to inclusive correctional practices.
Omar Ortiz is a formerly incarcerated individual who has transformed his life through faith, education, and mentorship. While in prison, he embraced Islam and committed himself to self-improvement and service to others. Even before his conversion, he was dedicated to personal growth and uplifting those around him. During his incarceration, he earned both his high school diploma and a post-secondary diploma in Religious Studies. As a former inmate leader and mentor, Omar now works to support at-risk youth and individuals transitioning back into society, helping them navigate challenges and build a brighter future.
Warren Abbey is a former gang member who has transformed his life into one of mentorship, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. While incarcerated, he authored Honour Thy Brother, an urban crime novel set in Malvern, Toronto. Since reintegrating into society, he has launched multiple successful businesses across Ontario and is developing a nonprofit to support at-risk youth. Warren has been featured in films, interviews, and podcasts—including Let the Quran Speak—using his platform to inspire change. His journey is a testament to resilience, second chances, and the power of mentorship in transforming lives.
Humza Ali holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour from McMaster University and is pursuing a master’s in Psychotherapy and Spiritual Care at the University of Toronto. As a therapist at NORMM, he integrates Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to provide culturally and religiously sensitive care, creating a safe and empathetic space for clients to navigate emotional challenges and find meaningful solutions.
Imam Khalid Patel serves as a chaplain in provincial and federal institutions across Ontario, providing spiritual care, counselling, and religious guidance to incarcerated individuals. Through chaplaincy and community outreach, he supports personal growth, rehabilitation, and faith-based reintegration, helping individuals reconnect with their faith and build a better future.
Imam Ramzy Ajem is NORMM's founder and lead therapist with CTIO Certification. He has over 20 years experience in the field of Islamic Education, curriculum development and CVE. He has served as a CSC chaplain and has been recognized by the corrections and justice community for his success in rehabilitating offenders with terrorism related charges. Imam Ramzy is supported by a team of Imams, scholars, researchers and mentors who help released individuals lead responsible, productive and accountable lives.
Imam Abdullah El-Asmar is a dedicated Muslim chaplain, serving Kingston Region Penitentiaries since 2014, where he provides spiritual guidance, counseling, and religious education to incarcerated individuals. He also supports Muslim students as a chaplain at Queen’s University. A Montreal native of Lebanese descent, he is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Islamic Sciences with Al-Azhar University. In addition to his chaplaincy work, he is a certified self-defense instructor and black belt martial artist, combining faith, knowledge, and discipline to serve his community.
Joe Brathwaite is a seasoned parole officer with over 30 years of experience supporting the reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals. He specializes in connecting parolees with employment, housing, and community resources, promoting rehabilitation and public safety. In 2022, he received the Platinum Jubilee Community Service Award for advancing equity in the corrections system, and in 2023-2024, he was honored with the Emerson Douyon Multiculturalism Award for his dedication to inclusive correctional practices.
Omar Ortiz is a formerly incarcerated individual who has transformed his life through faith, education, and mentorship. While in prison, he embraced Islam and committed himself to self-improvement and service to others. Even before his conversion, he was dedicated to personal growth and uplifting those around him. During his incarceration, he earned both his high school diploma and a post-secondary diploma in Religious Studies. As a former inmate leader and mentor, Omar now works to support at-risk youth and individuals transitioning back into society, helping them navigate challenges and build a brighter future.
Warren Abbey is a former gang member who has transformed his life into one of mentorship, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. While incarcerated, he authored Honour Thy Brother, an urban crime novel set in Malvern, Toronto. Since reintegrating into society, he has launched multiple successful businesses across Ontario and is developing a nonprofit to support at-risk youth. Warren has been featured in films, interviews, and podcasts—including Let the Quran Speak—using his platform to inspire change. His journey is a testament to resilience, second chances, and the power of mentorship in transforming lives.
Humza Ali holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour from McMaster University and is pursuing a master’s in Psychotherapy and Spiritual Care at the University of Toronto. As a therapist at NORMM, he integrates Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to provide culturally and religiously sensitive care, creating a safe and empathetic space for clients to navigate emotional challenges and find meaningful solutions.
Imam Khalid Patel serves as a chaplain in provincial and federal institutions across Ontario, providing spiritual care, counselling, and religious guidance to incarcerated individuals. Through chaplaincy and community outreach, he supports personal growth, rehabilitation, and faith-based reintegration, helping individuals reconnect with their faith and build a better future.
Imam Ramzy Ajem is NORMM's founder and lead therapist with CTIO Certification. He has over 20 years experience in the field of Islamic Education, curriculum development and CVE. He has served as a CSC chaplain and has been recognized by the corrections and justice community for his success in rehabilitating offenders with terrorism related charges. Imam Ramzy is supported by a team of Imams, scholars, researchers and mentors who help released individuals lead responsible, productive and accountable lives.